After visiting the magnificent medieval monasteries of Meteora, Paul and I continued our road trip through rural Thessaly, Greece.

Fierce rains pummeled our car and so, with conditions worsening, we pulled over for an unplanned stay outside Trikala.

We were the only guests at Vintage Suites Trikala, a surprisingly sophisticated accommodation for this strictly local area.

The owner suggested the only restaurant open that evening. The rain continued to lash the car, and us, as we sloshed through the mud to nearby Bakalogatos.

Named for a classic 1960s Greek comedy, Ο μπακαλόγατος, this rustic taverna is decorated with movie memorabilia and vintage kitsch.

Locals of all ages and one soggy dog packed the house.

Families and friends flowed between tables, chatter and laughter at a high volume.

But like a scene straight out of a movie, conversations stopped and heads turned when we walked in.

Only one seat was free at an otherwise full table. Our hostess brought another chair from the back and had everyone scootch over to accommodate us two strangers.

Awkward introductions over, delight ensued. The traditional cuisine, friendly neighbors, and authentic Φιλοξενία (hospitality) all made for a magical experience.

Afterwards, we returned to Vintage Suites, a fireplace warming our room, and fell asleep to drumming rain.

A beautiful sunrise the next morning made the torrential downpours forgettable. Yet the pearls we found in that rainstorm remain a present memory.

Reader, here’s to finding unexpected gems in unplanned moments, in travel and in life.

Until next time,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul
​Spotlight Sojourns® | Slow Travel
with the Hidden Gemologists®

PS: If you’d like to learn more about lesser-known Thessaly, click HERE for our article “Regions of Greece.”​

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